Bonjour mes chƩries, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! I'm Emma, your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be back with you on this delightful #TutuTuesday. As always, we're going on a journey through the history of the magnificent tutu, exploring its evolution from simple, functional garments to the spectacular works of art we see today.
Today, we find ourselves in a time of great change, in the very heart of Paris, France, where the tutu first bloomed and found its true purpose ā not just as an onstage garment, but as a statement of artistic expression, elegance, and femininity. It's 1848 ā and while Europe might be in political turmoil, for us here in Paris, it's all about the latest designs, the exquisite details, and of course, the beauty of dance.
And speaking of beauty, you know what's always the best thing to see? Ballet, my lovelies! And guess what? Today happens to be the day of a glorious performance of āGiselleā, at the Parisian Opera. Can you imagine my excitement? A real treat for a tutu-loving girl like me.
Imagine stepping out of my little time machine and landing right on the grand boulevard. Everything's bustling with the excitement of a beautiful Parisian evening ā carriages are clinking, people are laughing, and everyone's wrapped up in their best finery. I, of course, couldnāt resist taking a whirl through the charming boutiques before making my way to the Opera House. It's a gorgeous building ā so grand, with columns reaching for the heavens and lights sparkling brighter than a thousand stars.
I find a lovely little stall brimming with the most delightful tulle ribbons and beads, and of course, I have to grab a few metres of blush-pink tulle and a smattering of sparkling beads ā they would look absolutely delightful adorning my next tutu creation, donāt you think?
Speaking of creations, oh my dears, I can't tell you how much the tutus of the time have stolen my heart. Just imagine, the romantic, airy designs, the shimmering tulle skirts cascading around the dancersā legs, their lightness floating around like dreams ā pure elegance! This era truly defines the evolution of the romantic tutu. Think flowing layers, shimmering silks, and an emphasis on a graceful and fluid look ā truly beautiful. They arenāt quite the impossibly high, airy creations we see on stage today, but they are absolutely delightful, and set the standard for what tutus would evolve into.
There are stories swirling around of the romantic, poetic ballet and how it began in this very city ā a celebration of all things beautiful, elegant and expressive, of course, with tutus being at the heart of it. Just the idea that ballet and the tutus were dancing hand-in-hand at this time fills me with absolute delight. It feels like something quite special is happening right before my very eyes ā and oh, my dears, I just have to be there to experience it!
And there is a lovely surprise awaiting us at this very ballet! Today weāre not seeing the standard form-fitting, more or less āconventionalā romantic tutu, it's the beginning of a trend which will change ballet costumes forever. We're looking at a style so stunning and groundbreaking that even today it is a legend in the world of ballet ā the 'leg-o-mutton' tutu.
This new style takes the romanticized style of ballet costume, where graceful flow and form are of paramount importance, and amps it up a few notches. These tutus were often shorter and more frilly, hugging the hips and creating the iconic āleg-o-muttonā look ā a stunning, wide, puffed silhouette. It's almost as if the tutu was a grand flower blossoming with vibrant colour and light - absolute magic. You see the silhouette emerging from the stage lights and the first feeling is almost of a grand unveiling. As the dancers glide across the stage in their āleg-o-muttonā tutus ā they literally become a masterpiece ā light and dance flowing together in perfect harmony. Itās absolutely enchanting, I assure you!
I donāt think it's a huge stretch of the imagination to say that a Parisian theatre filled with hundreds of onlookers watching ballerinas glide in their romantic āleg-o-muttonā tutus makes you want to burst out dancing! I bet if we look around, weāll find several fashion magazines, journals and newspapers talking about it!
So, my sweet darlings, thatās our time travel adventure for today. Join me next #TutuTuesday for an adventure you will not forget. Until then, spread some joy, dance, and make sure to wear your pink tutu with pride. I want to see your gorgeous pictures, share them on Twitter and Instagram using #TutuTuesday !
And until next time ā keep those tutus twirling!
Your pink-tutu-loving, time travelling bestie,
Emma xxx
